Description
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes are a fun and delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe! Creamy, cheesy, and savory beef is piled between two buttery, crispy grilled cheese sandwiches for a hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. This dish combines the best of both worlds: a sloppy joe and a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:
- 8 slices of bread (preferably thick-cut, like sourdough or white)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 8 slices American cheese (or your favorite cheese, like cheddar or provolone)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Sloppy Joe Filling
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes saucy. Set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place a slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of four bread slices.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the bread slices (butter side down) in the skillet. Grill until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes, then flip to the other side and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Step 3: Assemble the Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes
- Once the grilled cheese sandwiches are done, remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.
- Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe filling onto one side of each sandwich. Top with the other slice of bread, and press gently to make the sandwich.
- Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Slice the sandwiches in half and serve hot. Enjoy the cheesy, messy goodness!
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or jalapeño slices to the sloppy joe mixture for extra heat.
- Use different cheese: Swap American cheese for cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Serve with sides: Pair with fries, chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Make ahead: The sloppy joe filling can be made up to a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg